"I am aware that in recent matches that I played I've been calmer," Suarez told El Pais.

"I am very self-critical and I realised that playing well, with more tranquillity, is helping me a lot. I prefer to continue like that and not be the same as before.

"I was very happy to be able to play with the national team and now that I have returned for Liverpool it's an extra joy."

Suarez admits Steven Gerrard helped persuade him to remain at Anfield this summer amid heavy interest from Arsenal and the forward claims the England international sets the "benchmark" for standards on and off the pitch.

"His attitude was an extra boost for me to take the decision to stay in Liverpool; both he and the fans of Liverpool influenced much of that," Suarez said.

"I admire him for the great player he is worldwide. For me, he will always be a benchmark and at club level he is the best player I have played with in my career, as a person and as a footballer."